Sammy Brue’s new album, ‘The Journals,’ a tribute to his mentor Justin Townes Earle, is released to the world

NEWS | MUSIC

Sammy Brue image for “The Journals” provided

A folk troubadour in the truest sense, Ogden’s own Sammy Brue released a deeply personal project today that has been two years in the making. “The Journals” is a tribute to his mentor and friend, Justin Townes Earle. With the blessing of Earle’s widow, Brue utilized the journals Earle left behind to write songs inspired by Earle’s ideas and co-written with Justin’s unfinished lyrics. The project that consumed Brue’s craft and commitment is now out in the world, no longer a private discourse but a public conversation. 

The 10 deeply moving, poetic songs were recorded live in one day at the legendary Muscle Shoals, Alabama, studio. “The Journals” will be revered by fans of both Justin and Sammy for years to come, securing their place in the legacy of modern folk music.

“The Journals” marks a pivotal moment for Brue – “a new birth.” He described it as a new chapter, in the same spirit of his favorite piece of Earle discography, “Yuma”:  “It’s just me, my guitar, and my songs.” And that’s just the way “The Journals” was recorded.

I caught up with Sammy just after he got back from Nashville for the release of the new Justin Townes Earle biography “What To Do When You’re Lonesome,” by Jonathan Bernstein. On the trip, he saw signs of Justin everywhere. “I’m just glad Justin is getting another moment, and I’m just honored to be a part of it, really.” 

A longer piece about Sammy’s journey through “The Journals” based on this interview is coming soon.

“The Journals” is available for purchase now at Bandcamp, and for listening on all streaming services. 

Sammy will be live on KRCL Radio Tuesday, Jan. 27, and at the State Room, Saturday, Jan. 31, where he will perform all 10 songs and new ones inspired by the record, and end with Justin Townes Earle songs.